Riverhead is a town in Suffolk County of New York, on the north shore of Long Island. Its population of some 35,000 residents enjoys a humid subtropical climate, and a normally placid lifestyle. Something must have disturbed the equilibrium though, because the town council regulates lithium batteries since a few days ago, unlike most of its counterparts.
Are Individual Town Councils Entitled to Regulate Lithium Batteries?
The White House website confirms that, “Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for states and local governments chosen by the people. The latter include counties, cities and towns.
Thus the Riverhead Town Council was within its authority, when it enacted a new law on December 5, 2023. In terms of this, the town council regulates lithium batteries distributed, sold or offered for sale within its jurisdiction. As well as electric bikes and scooters using rechargeable batteries as follows:
- All of the above items must be certified compliant with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards.
- Products, packaging or documentation handed to customers must contain evidence of this certification.
- The new legislation also applies to charging cords, and chargers for lithium batteries in scooters and e-bikes.
And moreover, “It is unlawful to modify an electric bike or scooter unless the modification is consistent with the certification standard and manufacturer’s instructions,” according to Riverhead Local news channel.
What’s the Big Lithium Issue at Riverhead Town Council?
The fire that devastated the lithium-ion e-bike recovery shop in June 2023 (see link below) left a large pile of burned-out e-bikes and other debris. This hazardous waste shipped to Eastern Environmental Solutions in Manorville. bordering on Riverhead, without consulting residents.
The lithium batteries were unstable and caught fire twice while in transit. Incensed Riverhead council members evidently decided enough is enough. Now at least they have teeth in the form of fines of up to $10,000 for serial offenders, under their new code.
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